HISTORY OF THE D. A. TURNER BRANCH YMCA, INC.
Don Abbott Turner was born October 24, 1892 in Macon, Georgia. He was raised in Thomasville, Georgia. He came to Columbus, Georgia at the age of 21. Turner worked as secretary to the manager of the local electric power plant. While he lived at the Central YMCA in Columbus, Turner became an athlete performing with amateur acrobatic troops and sporting teams.
In 1917, he married Elizabeth Bradley, the only daughter of one of Columbus’ richest families at the time. Turner inherited by marriage the W. C. Bradley industrials, banking and agricultural legacy. Turner retired as chairman of the board of CB&T Bancshares, Columbus Bank and Trust Company's parent company. However, remained the chairman of the W. C. Bradley Company.
Having suffered a stroke, Turner died at St. Francis Hospital on Wednesday, August 11, 1982. In his Last Will and Testament, he left money to several charitable foundations and organizations including the YMCAs of Columbus and Thomasville, Georgia.
In 1983, the D. A. Turner YMCA was named in his honor.
Source: Greg Gardner and Nolan Walters, Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, Columbus, Georgia; August 1982